But his passion for history began in elementary school. 

It started with a fifth-grade history project about Iowa that won an honor at his school in Grove City, Ohio. After that, he was hooked. Growing up in Tuscarawas County and later Grove City, Bob was exposed to early Ohio’s rich history as a kid. 

“I learned that there’s just a lot of really interesting Ohio history in Tuscarawas County,” he said, citing places like Schoenbrunn, a historic village in northeast Ohio founded by Moravian missionary David Zeisberger and others. Schoenbrunn Village is among the Ohio History Connection's more than 50 sites. 

Bob now expresses his passion by supporting the Ohio History Connection as a longtime member, volunteer and donor—a trifecta of support.  

Bob joined the Ohio History Connection as a member in the early 1980s when he was still in his 20s. He recalled his first time visiting the Ohio History Center on a school field trip, and its lasting impression. 

“It's kind of a stark-looking building, but it’s so unique,” he said of the Brutalist-style structure along I-71 in Columbus. The 55-year-old building’s architectural significance and age helped it achieve recognition on the National Register of Historic Places.   

Supporting history across a lifespan 

Serving as a judge for the annual Ohio History Day competition is among Bob's most rewarding volunteer work at Ohio History Connection. Each year thousands of Ohio students in grades 6-12 hone valuable skills like researching and writing, while also learning Ohio's history. Bob began judging in 1996.

“Every year I am just blown away by the quality of the work that these young people do,” Bob said. “The amount of work even by the kids who don’t win—you just want to hug each of them and say, ‘thank you for doing all this hard work,’” he added.

Bob is also a proud member of Conestoga, an organization that works to raise money for Ohio History Connection projects, exhibits and special funds. He and his wife Mary joined six years ago. He was elected to the steering committee in 2022. His favorite part of the organization is raising and giving money to worthy projects like the future Poindexter Village African American Museum and Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, Ohio’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. Bob also appreciates the interesting trips organized for Conestoga members several times a year, as well as just hanging out with fellow history buffs.

Looking forward requires looking back

Bob’s passion extended to his college years, where he studied ancient history and archaeology. But he didn’t stop studying history once he graduated; he’s a self-described lifelong learner who believes history is the key to comprehending the future.

“You have to know where you’re from to know where you’re going,” he said. That belief is one reason Bob and his wife Mary became donors a decade ago.

Bob’s varied career reinforced his belief in the importance of preserving our stories now. After earning a Master of Public Administration at Ohio State University, Bob worked for more than two decades in fire and emergency services, mostly as a paramedic where his job brought him face-to-face with death.

Bob also has an entrepreneurial streak, co-owning or creating consulting and financial services businesses for many years. “My only real regret is not trying to make the baseball team at the first small college I attended,” he joked.

Ohio’s history is especially meaningful for Bob. Ohio is centrally located within the country and has cultural diversity not present in some other states. He also cited Ohio’s historical significance in manufacturing, agriculture, transportation and even politics.

Bob offers this advice for people who want to support their community and wonder what they can do: “One thing you can always do is donate, because organizations like this always need money.”

You, too, can support the Ohio History Connection. Just follow this safe and secure link at ohiohistory.org/give. We thank you for your support.

Adam Dumbauld was a 2025 summer intern in the Development Division of Ohio History Connection. He’s an international business major at Ohio State University, graduating in December 2025. He grew up in Marysville, Ohio.